The first issue of caravan and camping magazine Time to Roam Australia was released on 12 February. Spotpress in Sydney printed 20,000 copies of the 76pp magazine, which has been distributed nationally to caravan parks, caravan dealers, petrol stations and tourist offices.

Editor Rod Bruem said readers "love the idea of having something in their hands", but that printed content needed to be coupled with online content for a publication to be viable.

"The whole idea that ‘print is dead’ or ‘magazines are dying’ – these are among the biggest hurdles we’ve had to face, and it’s more of a way of thinking within the media than among the public," he told ProPrint.

[Related: Bauer Media buys ACP]

"Magazines are evolving and we’re part of that evolution – a free magazine coupled with an e-magazine matched with a social media presence to drive content and interaction."

Bruem and his business partner, Phillip Terry, have brought magazine experience to Time To Roam. Bruem helped ACP Magazines launch Smarter Business Ideas, while Terry spent 25 years in magazine sales and development.

Bruem said: "Advertising sales have exceeded our initial targets. Phill says advertisers want to see an integrated package like we’re offering.

"In his previous experience working on other titles, they’re very negative if you can’t show you’re making the most of the multi-media platforms and tools available."

[Related: More news about magazines]

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter